Dear Readers,
Below are highlights of what you'll discover in the July 2021, edition of Inclusion BC’s E-Update
- Press Release from Inclusion Canada on the proposed Canada Disability Benefit
- National Film Board (NFB) Channel: Indigenous History
- CLBC interim guidance on extending flexible respite and payment to family members
- Vaccinations are underway and what can we expect this summer video
- Public consultation on policing and systemic issues
- B.C. fuel tax refund program
- Vancouver's accessibility strategy
- HandyDART: Compass and discounted fares
If you have any questions about the content, please email Communications Manager Claire Inkster at inksterc@inclusionbc.org
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PRESS RELEASE: Inclusion Canada
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The Proposed Canada Disability Benefit
On June 30, 2021, Inclusion Canada shared a press release on Bill C-35, An Act to reduce poverty and to support the financial security of persons with disabilities, tabled by the Honourable Carla Qualtrough in Canada’s Parliament on June 22, 2021. In addition, they wrote a one-page information sheet with design recommendations for the proposed Canada Disability Benefit.
Document Links
- Inclusion Canada's press release is HERE
- Inclusion Canada's design recommendations for the proposed Canada Disability Benefit is HERE
- Overview of Bill C-35 is HERE
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National Film Board (NFB) Channel
June was Indigenous History Month, and through KDocsFF, Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) documentary film festival, we learned about the National Film Board of Canada’s (NFB) selection of films by Indigenous directors and allies on the impacts of residential schools in Canada.
Thank you to our affiliate member KPU and KDocsFF for “engaging various and varied communities, through documentary screenings and community dialogue, in critical thinking and understanding about ourselves, our communities, and our world” – KDocsFF.
Website Links
- The NFB Channel films are HERE
- Learn more about KDocsFF HERE
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CLBC Interim Guidance On Extending Flexible Respite And Payment To Family Members
In April 2020, CLBC created the Interim Guidance – Service Provision by Family Members for Direct Funding Agents and Person-Centred Societies to support families with staffing shortages and program closures caused by the pandemic. The temporary measure was set to close on June 30, 2021.
The use of this interim guidance is extended until September 30, 2021.
Document Links
- A FAQ with details on the closing of the interim guidance is HERE
- The April 2020, temporary interim measure is HERE
- A full list of CLBC’s interim policy guidance during COVID-19 is HERE
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Getting Ready for Summer. A conversation with Dr. Yona Lunsky & Dr. Ullanda Niel
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Vaccinations Are Underway And What Can We Expect This Summer?
Across Canada, many provinces and territories are beginning to lift the restrictions put in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As safety measures for in-person gatherings, returning to work, wearing masks, and other changes occur you may have questions on how to prepare and manage.
In their conversation Dr. Yona Lunsky, Director at the Health Care Access Research and Developmental Disabilities (H-CARDD) Program and Dr. Ullanda Niel, Family Physician at Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities share answers to some COVID-19 related questions on what to expect as we head into the summer.
Video Link
- Watch the fifty-minute conversation HERE
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Public Consultation On Policing And Systemic Issues
On July 8, 2020, The Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act was appointed to:
“Examine, inquire into, and make recommendations to the Legislative Assembly on: reforms related to the modernization and sustainability of policing under the Police Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c.367)” Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act
For the next phase of community consultation, The Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act wants to learn from British Columbians about their experiences and perspectives on policing and related systemic issues, as well as from individuals who have experience working in policing, public safety, healthcare, and social services.
You can participate through an online survey, with options for uploading a document or audio submissions available, or you can download the survey and mail-in your response.
The survey will close on Friday, September 3, 2021 at 5 pm.
Document and Website Links
- Read Inclusion BC's submission of Recommendations to the Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act is HERE
- Complete the online survey HERE
- Download a paper copy of the survey HERE
- Learn about the Committee’s work on their website HERE
If you require any additional support or materials, or have questions about the consultation, please contact the Parliamentary Committees Office at 250-356-2933 (toll-free in B.C. at 1-877-428-8337) or Policeactreform@leg.bc.ca.
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A World Where Everybody Belongs
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Our Work Is Made Possible Thanks To You!
With your support, Inclusion BC advocates for the rights and opportunities of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families to live and participate as full citizens in their communities. We advocate for inclusion in all areas of life, including education, housing, and employment.
Our employment initiatives work with employees, and those seeking work, to build their skills and ensure they have the tools needed to succeed, and with employers to help make their businesses inclusive workplaces.
When all people have access to meaningful employment and inclusive workplaces, and have the skills needed to thrive and advance their careers, everyone benefits.
By clicking the pink DONATE button below, you can support Inclusion BC’s programs and services by making a one-time donation or by becoming a Circle of Friends monthly donor.
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You can also connect with our Resource Development Officer Renee MacDermid by email at macdermidr@inclusionbc.org to ask about how you can get involved.
Thank you for your support!
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B.C. Fuel Tax Refund Program
Did you know the government of B.C. offers a fuel tax refund program for persons with disabilities that can help reduce transportation costs?
Those eligible for the fuel tax refund program may receive:
- a fuel tax refund of up to $500 each calendar year for a qualifying vehicle registered in the program, and
- a 25% discount off your ICBC basic Autoplan insurance (including electric vehicles)
Document and Website Links
- Complete the fuel tax refund online HERE
- Learn about the fuel tax refund program eligibility criteria HERE
- View the Ministry of Finance Tax Bulletin on the fuel tax refund HERE
- Download a registration form for the fuel tax refund HERE
- Learn about ICBC's basic Autoplan insurance disability discount HERE
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If you would like to learn more, Tax AID DABC is hosting three separate workshops on the Fuel Tax Refund Program for persons with disabilities.
Workshops will be held on the following dates:
- July 15, 2021, 10-11:30 am (Tax AID clients & their family members only)
- September 2, 2021, 1:30-3 pm (all welcome)
- November 18, 2021, 11-12:30 pm (all welcome)
You can register for the Tax AID DABC workshops HERE. If you would like further information about these workshops, you can call 236-477-1717 or 1-877-940-7797 or email taxaid@disabilityalliancebc.org.
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Vancouver’s Accessibility Strategy
The city of Vancouver is interested in how to best create a liveable, equitable, and inclusive city for all residents, visitors, and employees.
To develop their accessibility strategy the city of Vancouver would like to learn from persons with lived experience of a disability, family members, caregivers, and community organizations providing services about “What would help you to participate and feel included in your community?”.
You can learn more and share your thoughts by taking the survey HERE before the closing date of July 31, 2021.
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HandyDART: Compass And Discounted Fares
TransLink is introducing Compass and age-based discounts for HandyDART customers starting on October 1, 2021.
These improvements will make fares more equitable and allow customers to easily travel between HandyDART and the bus, SeaBus, SkyTrain, and West Coast Express.
To learn more visit the Buzzer Blog HERE.
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Subscription
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